What is a common cause for pseudothrombocytopenia?
The most common cause of pseudothrombocytopenia is a “naturally occurring” autoantibody against a neo‐epitope on GP‐IIb/IIIa, exposed by the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant used for routine blood counts.
Why does EDTA cause pseudothrombocytopenia?
EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is the phenomenon of a spurious low platelet count due to EDTA-induced aggregation of platelets. Since the failure to recognize EDTA-dependent PTCP may result in incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment, the recognition of this phenomenon is very important.
How is pseudothrombocytopenia diagnosed?
Pseudothrombocytopenia due to EDTA-induced clumping, large platelets, or platelet cold agglutinins is confirmed by examination of a stained peripheral blood smear. Two methods can be used to determine whether platelet clumping observed in a blood specimen is caused by EDTA or some other mechanism.
How do you rule out pseudothrombocytopenia?
If the clumping is visible and the number of platelets appears normal, pseudothrombocytopenia may be concluded. A second sample run with a different anticoagulant such as citrate (blue top tube) to confirm the finding of pseudothrombocytopenia may be requested if there are doubts or concerns.
Can Vitamin b12 deficiency cause thrombocytopenia?
Severe vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to pseudothrombotic microangiopathy, which can present similarly to the microangiopathic hemolytic anemias, particularly thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
How does EDTA prevent coagulation?
With the correct blood sampling procedure, the collected blood is exposed to the EDTA which binds and withholds calcium ions thereby blocking the activation or progression of the coagulation cascade – ultimately inhibiting clot formation.
Can you get disability for thrombocytopenia?
If you are disabled because of Chronic Thrombocytopenia that is so severe it prevents you from working, you may well be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits.
What disease causes platelet clumping?
Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries. Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.
What does it mean if you have giant platelets?
Giant platelet disorders, also known as macrothrombocytopenia, are rare disorders featuring abnormally large platelets, thrombocytopenia and a tendency to bleeding. Giant platelets cannot stick adequately to an injured blood vessel walls, resulting in abnormal bleeding when injured.
Does EDTA cause blood clots?
A common cause of clotted EDTA samples is improper mixing of sample tubes after collection. This is often an avoidable event, overcome by inverting the tube 8-10 times immediately after collection to mix the blood thoroughly with the EDTA. These should be gentle inversions, avoiding rigorous shaking.